WO2019178597A1 - Système d'impression pour impression sur des objets cylindriques - Google Patents

Système d'impression pour impression sur des objets cylindriques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019178597A1
WO2019178597A1 PCT/US2019/022761 US2019022761W WO2019178597A1 WO 2019178597 A1 WO2019178597 A1 WO 2019178597A1 US 2019022761 W US2019022761 W US 2019022761W WO 2019178597 A1 WO2019178597 A1 WO 2019178597A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mandrel
mandrels
mounting device
printing
cylindrical object
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2019/022761
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jens Peter JAEGER
Karl Helmut THATE
Original Assignee
Vinventions Usa, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/US2018/022948 external-priority patent/WO2019177627A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/US2018/048519 external-priority patent/WO2020046291A1/fr
Priority claimed from PCT/US2018/054374 external-priority patent/WO2020072061A1/fr
Application filed by Vinventions Usa, Llc filed Critical Vinventions Usa, Llc
Publication of WO2019178597A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019178597A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40731—Holders for objects, e. g. holders specially adapted to the shape of the object to be printed or adapted to hold several objects
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J3/00—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed
    • B41J3/407—Typewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special material
    • B41J3/4073—Printing on three-dimensional objects not being in sheet or web form, e.g. spherical or cubic objects
    • B41J3/40733—Printing on cylindrical or rotationally symmetrical objects, e. g. on bottles

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a printing system for printing on cylindrical objects, for example screw caps.
  • An exemplary apparatus for printing on cylindrical objects is disclosed by WO 2015/16628 Al. It comprises a plurality of stationary printheads and a holding device for holding the cylindrical objects in a fixed orientation.
  • the holding device moves the cylindrical objects into the vicinity of the printheads such that the printheads may print on the cylindrical object.
  • the fixed orientation of the cylindrical objects ensures a reproducible orientation of the printheads relative to the cylindrical objects, which allows for simplifying the ink jet print system.
  • a further exemplary printing system for printing on cylindrical objects can be taken from US 6,769,357 Bl.
  • the apparatus comprises a conveying device in form of a rotatable turret on which a plurality of mandrels is arranged.
  • an in-feed station is provided, wherein the hollow cylindrical objects are sequentially transferred onto subsequently following mandrels, wherein one mandrel receives an object at a time.
  • the turret After supplying said mandrel with an object, the turret subsequently rotates about a predetermined amount such that said mandrel is positioned subsequently facing each one of a plurality of printheads arranged in a circumferential direction with respect to the turret.
  • the printing process among all printheads comprising the longest process time defines the clock rate of the turret turning motion.
  • the total process time for printing one hollow cylindrical object is comparatively long. Accordingly, the printing costs for the mandrels are relatively high and a throughput of the printing system is limited.
  • a printing system for printing on hollow cylindrical objects, particularly screw caps comprising at least one printhead for printing on a surface of a hollow cylindrical object in a reference plane, and a conveying device for conveying at least one mandrel configured to mount a hollow cylindrical object, particularly a screw cap.
  • the printing system is further characterized in that the conveying device comprises a linear motor containing at least one mover , wherein at least one mandrel is arranged on the at least one mover of the linear motor.
  • the mover may be composed of more than one mover unit, wherein preferably each mover unit is driven by a long stator.
  • the linear motor comprises two or more long stators arranged adjacent to each other, such that the mover unit can be moved in the same moving direction.
  • the power of a mover can be increased in correlation with the number of mover units and allocated long stators.
  • A“cylindrical object” in the context of this application is to be understood as an object with a substantially constant cross section along at least a major portion of its spatial extension in one direction, or an object which is at least substantially rotationally symmetric around a longitudinal axis.
  • the cylindrical object In order to be mountable on the mandrel of the tiltable mounting device, the cylindrical object is open at one end of the longitudinal axis, whereas the other end of the cylindrical object is covered by a substantially flat top surface.
  • the cylindrical objects to be mounted on the mandrel of the tiltable mounting device are screw caps for sealing (glass) bottles.
  • screw cap is to be understood to also comprise shells, a production precursor of ready to use screw caps.
  • Screw caps comprise rollon caps, as well as caps with a preformed internal thread.
  • A“mover” of the linear motor in the context of the application is to equivalent to the rotor of an electric motor.
  • the mover is movable with respect to the stationary stator of the linear motor.
  • the linear motor comprises the form of a closed loop.
  • the at least one mover can endlessly be moved in one movement direction.
  • the closed loop may preferably comprise a shape such that when a mover has completely passed the loop starting from an initial position, it arrives back at the initial position and may be ready for passing the loop again.
  • each mover comprises two sets of permanent magnets arranged on opposite sides with regard to a middle axis of the mover arranged in parallel to the moving direction of the mover.
  • the linear motor comprises a plurality of movers comprising at least one mandrel for mounting of a hollow cylindrical object.
  • a throughput of the printing system may be significantly increased.
  • each mover is movable independently from the other movers.
  • Each mover hence, may be positioned facing a respective treatment unit, e.g. a printhead of a certain color, only for an amount of time this treatment unit requires for treating the object, and/or may be moved along a respective treatment unit, e.g. a camera, with an appropriate speed.
  • a total process time for one hollow cylindrical object may be significantly reduced compared to ordinary printing systems as the time of treatment for each treatment step is substantially independent from all other treatment steps in the printing system.
  • the throughput of a printing system can be considerably increased.
  • a plurality of treatment units performing said treatment step may be arranged along the trajectory of the linear motor.
  • a plurality of mover may be processed by the plurality of treatment units at the same time.
  • the at least one mover comprises a preferably tillable mounting device, wherein the at least one mandrel of the mover is arranged at the mounting device movable in at least one moving direction.
  • the at least one mounting device preferably comprises a plurality of mandrels.
  • the printing system comprises a plurality of treatment positions, in which a hollow cylindrical object is exposed to a treatment step.
  • Preferred treatment steps may be printing, drying, inspection, coating, cooling-down, and/or discharging. Is has proven beneficial when the treatment positions are distributed along a trajectory of the conveying device.
  • a control unit is provided which is configured to move the at least one mover based on a predetermined movement profile.
  • the control unit is configured to control movement of the at least one mover based on the movement profile.
  • the movement profile preferably covers a complete moving cycle of the at least one mover. With other words, the movement profile provides information for the complete trajectory of the linear motor, preferably the closed linear motor loop.
  • the printing system comprises a plurality of movers and a plurality of treatment positions, wherein a number of movers exceed a number of treatment positions in which a hollow cylindrical object is exposed to a treatment, preferably printing, drying, inspection, coating, cooling-down, and/or discharging.
  • a temporary moving buffer is provided by at least two movers between at least two treatment positions.
  • A“moving buffer” in context of the present application is to be understood as a buffer composed of one or more movers which between two adjacent treatment positions, such that after finishing treatment of a hollow cylindrical object at the respective treatment position, a consecutive mover comprising at least one further hollow cylindrical object may be already waiting adjacent to the respective treatment position such that a transfer time of the consecutive mover, which is needed for moving the consecutive mover from its present position to the treatment position, may be minimized.
  • At least one printhead of the printing system is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the reference plane.
  • the at least one printhead is configured as an industrial printhead with one or more rows of ink nozzles that are arranged in parallel on the printhead.
  • the at least one mover comprises a tillable mounting device for mounting cylindrical objects, particularly screw caps, that comprise a lateral surface and a top surface, and for tilting the cylindrical objects relative to a reference plane, comprising:
  • each mandrel has a longitudinal axis around which it is rotatable
  • each mandrel is tillable in the frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the longitudinal axis of each mandrel in the first position is oriented essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the mandrel in the second position, wherein, in the first position, each mandrel is oriented such that the top surface of the cylindrical object mountable on the mandrel lies in the reference plane, and in the second position, each mandrel is oriented such that the lateral surface of the cylindrical object mountable on the mandrel is tangent to the reference plane.
  • cylindrical objects mounted on the tillable mounting device can be tilted from a first position to a second position relative to a reference plane (and back from the second to the first position) and rotated around their longitudinal axis in the respective positions to iteratively print on the surfaces of a larger number of cylindrical objects.
  • the entire surface of the cylindrical object i.e. the lateral surface as well as the top surface of the cylindrical object can be brought into contact with the reference plane.
  • a printhead that is configured to print in the reference plane is provided, the entire outer surface of the cylindrical objects can be printed by using only one printhead. That approach reduces technical complexity and maintenance requirements of a printing system for cylindrical objects.
  • the tilting mechanism allows the entire surface of cylindrical objects mounted on the tillable mounting device to be brought into contact with a single, spatially fixed printing head for printing without moving the printhead.
  • the throughput of a printing system comprising the tillable mounting device can be considerably increased. It is also possible to utilize multiple printheads that are arranged to print within the reference plane.
  • the position of the mandrel in which the cylindrical object is mountable may already be the first or second position.
  • the tillable mounting device comprises no more than one mandrel.
  • the tillable mounting device comprises two mandrels.
  • the throughput of a printing system in which the tillable mounting device is used can be increased, since two mandrels allow cylindrical objects to be printed simultaneously.
  • the two mandrels are mounted in the frame such that one mandrel is oriented in the first position, while the other mandrel is oriented in the second position at a particular moment in time, and vice versa. That embodiment enables simultaneous printing on cylindrical objects mounted on two mandrels.
  • the cylindrical object mounted on the mandrel in the first position can be printed on the top surface, while the cylindrical object mounted on the mandrel in the second position can be printed on the lateral surface simultaneously. Thereby, the throughput of a printing system comprising the tillable mounting device is further increased.
  • the tillable mounting device comprises a rotation coupling for each mandrel that is configured to be releasably coupled with a rotational force generator to rotate the mandrel around its longitudinal axis.
  • the releasable coupling may be achieved by a forcelocking connection, wherein the proximal end of a shaft driven by the rotational force generator device is inserted into a correspondingly shaped socket of the rotation coupling - analogous to a screw driver engaging with a screw head.
  • the rotation coupling is coupled, the rotational force generated by the rotational force generator can be transmitted to the rotation coupling.
  • the rotation coupling is configured to transmit the rotational force to the mandrel such that it is set into rotation around its longitudinal axis.
  • the rotational force generator may be a rotational motor, a drive motor or a servo actuator with a corresponding output shaft.
  • the rotational force generator When the rotational force generator is coupled with the rotation coupling, the rotation of the mandrel around its longitudinal axis is precisely controlled.
  • the rotational force generator can preferably be decoupled from the rotation coupling in order to avoid hindrance of the tilting motion, and reconnected when the tilting motion of the mandrel is completed.
  • a rotational force generator may be directly attached to the mandrel(s).
  • the tiltable mounting device comprises at least one actuating element that is slidably mounted on the frame and configured to effect tilting of the mandrels when actuated. Actuation of the actuating element is achieved by a lateral motion of the actuating element relative to the frame. Such a lateral motion is translated into a tilting motion of the mandrel(s). By such a configuration, tilting of the mandrels can be reliably and simply controlled by a lateral motion of the actuating element.
  • the at least one actuating element is hingeably coupled to one or more linkage plates that are configured to translate a translational motion of the at least one actuating element into tilting of the mandrels.
  • Such a configuration provides a mechanically stable and reliable solution for translating the actuation of the at least one actuation element into a tilting motion of the mandrel(s).
  • a tiltable mounting device for mounting cylindrical objects, particularly screw caps, that comprise a top surface and a lateral surface, and for tilting the cylindrical objects relative to a reference plane, comprising:
  • a rotary disc on which a plurality of mandrels that are each configured to mount a cylindrical object, particularly a screw cap, are mounted in parallel in a circular arrangement, wherein each mandrel has a longitudinal axis around which it is rotatable, wherein the rotary disc is tiltable in the frame between a first position and a second position,
  • the rotary disc in the first position, is oriented such that the longitudinal axes of the mandrels are oriented essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of the mandrels in the second position,
  • the mandrels are oriented such that the top surfaces of the cylindrical objects mountable on the mandrels lie in the reference plane
  • the mandrels are oriented such that, when rotating the rotary disc, the lateral surfaces of the cylindrical objects mountable on the mandrels are tangent to the reference plane.
  • a tiltable mounting device configured as specified above, a plurality of cylindrical objects can be mounted on one single tiltable mounting device.
  • the top surfaces of all cylindrical objects lie in a reference plane.
  • a printhead configured to print in the reference plane, all top surfaces can be printed.
  • the tiltable mounting device is tilted to its second position, the lateral surface of each cylindrical object can be successively brought into contact with the reference plane by rotating the rotary disc to a corresponding position.
  • the cylindrical object whose lateral surface is tangent to the reference plane can be rotated around its longitudinal axis in order to print the entire lateral surface thereof.
  • all cylindrical objects mounted on the tiltable mounting device can be printed with a single, stationary printhead at an increased throughput.
  • the tiltable mounting device of that embodiment comprises at least three mandrels, e.g. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16 or 32 mandrels.
  • the mandrels are mounted on the rotary disc in parallel, i.e., the longitudinal axes of the respective mandrels are oriented in parallel, preferably essentially perpendicular to the surface of the rotary disc on which the mandrels are mounted.
  • the position of the rotary in which the cylindrical objects are mountable may already be the first or second position.
  • the tiltable mounting device comprises seven or eight mandrels. Such a device allows for a significant increase of the throughput without requiring advanced additional constructional efforts. However, the tiltable mounting device may also comprise less than seven or eight or more than seven or eight mandrels.
  • the tillable mounting device comprise a mandrel rotation coupling that is configured to be releasably coupled with a rotational force generator to rotate the mandrels around their respective longitudinal axis. This allows for an efficient and simple control of the rotational motion of the mandrels. Alternatively, a rotational force generator for the rotation of the mandrels is permanently technically realized in the tillable mounting device.
  • the tillable mounting device preferably further comprises a disc rotation coupling that is configured to be releasably coupled with a rotational force generator to rotate the rotary disc.
  • control of the rotational motion of the rotary disc may also be exerted in a precise way whilst lowering the weight of the tillable mounting device.
  • the rotational force generator for the rotation of the rotary disc could also be permanently technically realized in the tillable mounting device.
  • the tillable mounting device is connectable to an actuating element that is configured to effect tilting of the rotary disc when actuated.
  • an actuating element that is configured to effect tilting of the rotary disc when actuated.
  • the mountable tilting device is configured to tilt cylindrical objects from a first position in which the top surface of the cylindrical object lies in the reference plane, to a second position (and back from the second to the first position) in which the lateral surface of the cylindrical object lies in the reference plane.
  • the printhead is configured to print in the reference plane such that the entire surface of the cylindrical object can be printed without moving the printhead, by tilting and rotating the cylindrical object via the tillable mounting device only.
  • the printing process also involves rotating the rotary disc in order to bring the cylindrical objects (mounted on the circularly arranged mandrels) into contact with the reference plane.
  • the at least one printhead is preferably oriented such that the extension direction of the row of ink nozzles is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mandrels in the second position.
  • the section of the lateral surface of the cylindrical object that is tangent to the reference plane is in direct vicinity of the ink jet row.
  • a plurality of rows of ink nozzles are arranged in parallel, wherein preferably four or six parallel rows of ink nozzles are provided.
  • a number of 2 to 20 rows of ink nozzles may be arranged in parallel.
  • the at least one printhead is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the reference plane and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mandrels in the second position.
  • the printhead comprises more than one row of ink nozzles.
  • the at least one mounting device is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the reference plane, and, preferably, perpendicular to a direction along the rows of ink nozzles. In this way, the printhead can remain stationary whilst the tillable mounting device is tilted into the first position and moved along said direction parallel to the reference plane. Thus, the entire top surface of the cylindrical objects can be printed without moving the printhead.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a printing system according to a preferred embodiment
  • Fig. 2 shows a line chart of a moving profile for movers of a conveying device of the printing system of Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a tillable mounting device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention
  • Fig. 4A to 4E illustrate a tilting motion of the mandrel in the tillable mounting device of Fig. 3 from a first position and to a second position;
  • Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a tillable mounting device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention together with a printhead;
  • Fig. 6A to 6F illustrate a tilting motion of the mandrels in the tillable mounting device of Fig. 5 from their respective first to their second positions;
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a tillable mounting device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8A to 8C illustrate a tilting motion of a rotary disc and mandrels in the tillable mounting device of Fig. 7 from their first to their second positions;
  • Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the rotary disc with seven mandrels and seven cylindrical objects mounted thereon;
  • Fig. 10A and 10B is a bottom view (Fig. 10A) of the rotary disc in Fig. 9, or a perspective bottom view (Fig. 10B), respectively.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a printing system according to a preferred embodiment.
  • the printing system is adapted for printing on hollow cylindrical objects 3, here in the form of screw caps.
  • the printing system comprises a plurality of print stations 6.1 , 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 each comprising one or more printheads for printing on a surface of a hollow cylindrical object 3 in a reference plane, and a conveying device 10.1.
  • the conveying device 10.1 comprises a linear motor 10.1.1 containing a plurality of movers 10.1.2, wherein each mover 10.1.2 can be moved independently from the other movers 10.1.2 by a control unit (not shown).
  • Each of the movers 10.1.2 comprises a tillable mounting devices 10, wherein each mounting device 10 comprises a plurality of mandrels for mounting a hollow cylindrical object 3 (in Fig. 1, the tillable mounting devices 10 are schematically depicted as circles).
  • the linear motor 10.1.1 comprises a long stator and is formed in a closed loop. Hence, the linear motor 10.1.1 provides a closed and endless trajectory for the movers 10.1.2.
  • the control unit is adapted to move the movers based on a predetermined movement profile 10.1.5 which is shown in Fig. 2.
  • a predetermined movement profile 10.1.5 By the movement profile 10.1.5, acceleration and/or speed of each mover 10.1.2 and a time in which each mover 10.1.2 is held in a predetermined position is defined with respect to its actual position along the trajectory 10.1.3.
  • the control unit is configured to control movement of the movers 10.1.2 based on the movement profile 10.1.5.
  • the movement profile 10.1.2 according to this preferred embodiment covers a complete moving cycle 10.1.7 of the movers 10.1.2. With other words, the movement profile 10.1.5 provides information for the complete trajectory 10.1.3 of the linear motor 10.1.1, wherein one moving cycle 10.1.7 corresponds to the closed loop.
  • the printing system comprises a plurality of treatment positions, in which a hollow cylindrical object 3 is exposed to a respective treatment step, here a printing via print stations 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, an inspection via inspection device 10.3, here in the form of a camera, a coating via coating device 10.4, a drying step via drying area 10.5, and a cooling-down in cool-down area 10.6. Finally, the mandrels are discharged from the respective tiltable mounting device 10 at unloading area 10.7. As can be taken from Fig. 1, the treatment positions are distributed along the trajectory 10.1.3 of the conveying device 10.1.
  • each print station 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4 comprises a plurality of printheads, here four printheads.
  • any other number of printheads may be arranged at least one of the print stations 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, preferably seven or eight printheads, wherein preferably, the print stations are preferably configured for printing cyan, magenta, yellow, black, white, orange, green and/or violet.
  • each print station may merely comprise each only one printhead, wherein preferably the printheads are configured to print each one color, preferably one of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.
  • the number of movers 10.1.2 exceed the number of treatment positions, such that between two adjacent treatment positions, a moving buffer can be provided via arranging at least one mover 10.1.2 between the two adjacent treatment positions.
  • the hollow cylindrical objects 3 mounted on said mover 10.1.2 have already been treated in the upstream treatment device in the upstream treatment position and, thus, are ready for being treated in the subsequent treating position.
  • Fig. 2 shows a line chart of the moving profile 10.1.5 for the movers 10.1.2 of the conveying device 10.1 of the printing system of Fig. 1. That is, by the moving profile 10.1.5, a predetermined speed 10.1.6 for each mover 10.1.2 along the trajectory 10.1.3 is provided.
  • the moving profile 10.1.5 hence covers one full moving cycle 10.1.7 which corresponds to the entire closed loop.
  • Fig. 2 the treatment positions are indicated via the reference signs corresponding to the respective treatment devices listed above.
  • the cylindrical objects 3 to be printed are supplied from the left side of Fig. 1 and moved through surface treatment area 10.2 for surface pre-treatment. Subsequently, the cylindrical objects 3 are mounted on the tillable mounting device 10 of the respective mover 10.1.2 located at treatment position“3”.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows the tillable mounting devices 10 comprising seven mandrels, thus being configured for receiving 7 hollow cylindrical objects 3 being mounted on each of the mandrels.
  • tillable mounting devices comprising another number of mandrels, e.g. one, two, four, eight, ten, 15, 16, or 32 mandrels may alternatively be arranged on the movers 10.1.2.
  • a mover 10.1.2 comprising a tillable mounting device 10, subsequent to receiving the cylindrical objects 3, is moved in moving direction 10.1.4 to the first print station 6.1.
  • the mover 10.1.2 is halted and the cylindrical objects 3 are printed.
  • the tillable mounting device 10 is subsequently tilted to a first or a second position, as will be described in detail below, and mandrels 2 and/or a rotary disc 5 of the mounting device 10 are rotated appropriately to allow printing on the top and lateral surfaces of all mounted cylindrical objects 3 with the first and the second print station 6.1 and 6.2.
  • the mover 10.1.2 may be moved to further print stations 6.3, 6.4 and halted there respectively for another printing step by moving the respective mover 10.1.2 via the linear motor 10.1.1 based on moving profile 10.1.5.
  • print station 6.1 may be configured for printing on the lateral surface of the hollow cylindrical objects 3, wherein the printheads are arranged forming a lateral cylinder surface segment.
  • the printheads may be arranged about a center axis angled to each other at an angle of 22.5°, or 45°.
  • said mover 10.1.2 For printing the lateral surfaces of cylindrical objects 3 arranged on a mover 10.1.2, said mover 10.1.2 is positioned in a printing position with respect to print station 6.1. All mandrels of said mover 10.1.2 are rotated, and the first four cylindrical objects 3 are printed. Then, the plurality of mandrels is rotated about a center axis of the mounting device 10 such that the mandrels are displaced by one position with respect to the printheads, and each of the cylindrical objects 3 now facing a printhead, again, is printed by the respective printhead. Printing and displacing as described above is repeated until all cylindrical objects 3 mounted onto the mounting device 10 have been printed by every printhead.
  • print station 6.2 may be configured for printing on the top surface of the hollow cylindrical object 3, wherein preferably, the printheads may be arranged about a center axis angled to each other at an angle of 22.5°, or 45°, wherein all printheads are arranged in one horizontal plane.
  • the mover 10.1.2 may be moved past inspection device 10.3 comprising a camera, such that the printing quality can be assessed and double-checked for deficiencies. Subsequently, the mover 10.1.2 is moved to coating device 10.4 at which cylindrical objects 3 may be provided with a protective or finishing coating. Afterwards, cylindrical objects 3 on tiltable mounting device 10 are conveyed through drying area 10.5 and cool-down area 10.6. They are finally discharged from tiltable mounting device 10 at unloading area 10.7
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a tiltable mounting device 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention which may alternatively be provided at one or more movers 10.1.2 of the conveying device 10.1 of Figure 1.
  • the tiltable mounting device 10 comprises a frame 1 composed of frame elements 1.1, 1.2 that are connected to form a rigid carrying structure. Inside frame 1, mandrel 2 is movably mounted. Mandrel 2 is of essentially cylindrical shape and configured as an expanding mandrel, such that a hollow cylindrical object with a diameter larger than that of the mandrel can be put over the mandrel and be held and retained on the mandrel by frictional contact with the expanding mandrel on the inner surface of the cylindrical object.
  • the cylindrical objects to be mounted on mandrel 2 of Fig. 3 are hollow cylindrical objects with a lateral surface 3.2 and one top surface 3.1.
  • Fig. 3 shows a cylindrical object 3 mounted on mandrel 2 as described above.
  • the bottom surface of cylindrical object 3 is open to allow for a sliding of cylindrical object 3 onto mandrel 2.
  • Cylindrical object 3 has a longitudinal axis that coincides with the longitudinal axis of mandrel 2, once cylindrical object 3 has been mounted on mandrel 2.
  • Mandrel 2 is mounted movably in the frame 1 , so as to be tiltable from a first position, which is an end position of the tilting motion, to a second position, which is another end position of the tilting motion.
  • the tilting motion can be triggered by application of forces exerted by a component (not shown), e.g. a motor, which is typically separate from the tiltable mounting device 10. That further component serves as actuating force for actuating elements provided on the tiltable mounting device 10.
  • a first bracket 4.1 and a second bracket 4.2 are slidably mounted on frame 1 of the tillable mounting device 10. Both brackets 4.1 and 4.2 essentially form a U-shaped structure. Parallel arms of brackets 4.1 , 4.2 are guided through holes in the frame 1 and are thus supported on frame 1.
  • brackets 4.1, 4.2 are hingeably connected to a linkage plate 4.3 via connection sections 4.3.1 and 4.3.2.
  • a further linkage plate with a configuration corresponding to that of the linkage plate 4.3 is positioned on the outwardly facing side of the tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 3. Both linkage plates 4.3 are supported rotatably on frame
  • Linkage plates 4.3 are configured to translate a translational motion of the brackets 4.1, 4.2 into a tilting motion of mandrel 2.
  • Linkage plate 4.3 located on the outwardly facing side of the tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 3 has typically the same geometric structure as linkage plate 4.3 shown in Fig. 3.
  • the disclosure pertaining to the construction of the linkage plate 4.3 on the inwardly facing side of the tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 3 applies equally to linkage plate 4.3 positioned on the outwardly facing side.
  • Both linkage plates 4.3 are rigidly coupled to a respective rotation shaft (not shown) via which linkage plates 4.3 are supported rotatably on frame 1.
  • the rotation shafts are rigidly connected to swing arms 2.3, which are rigidly connected to mandrel mounting plate 2.1 on which mandrel 2 is mounted.
  • Rotation of linkage plates 4.3 around the rotational axis defined by the rotation shafts effects a swinging motion of swing arms 2.3 and thus a tilting motion of mandrel 2 mounted on mounting plate 2.1.
  • the position of the rotational axis coincides with center hole 4.3.3 of linkage plate 4.3 indicated in Fig. 3.
  • the rotational axis does typically not intersect with the longitudinal axis of mandrel 2, but is off-set with respect to the longitudinal axis of mandrel 2.
  • FIG. 4A to 4E are perspective views of the tillable mounting device 10 of Fig. 3 with mandrel 2 and cylindrical object 3 mounted thereon depicted in subsequent tilting positions.
  • Fig. 4A shows mandrel 2 with cylindrical object 3, with top surface 3.1 of cylindrical object 3 protruding over the top of the tillable mounting device 10. That position represents one end position of the tilting motion of the mandrel 2 and is referred to as“first” position in the following.
  • the plane of top surface 3.1 of cylindrical object 3 is referred to as reference plane in Fig. 4 A.
  • Fig. 4E shows the mandrel 2 with the cylindrical object 3 with lateral surface 3.2 of cylindrical object 3 mounted on mandrel 2 being tangent to the reference plane defined by the orientation of top surface 3.1 of cylindrical object 3 in the first position shown in Fig. 4A. That position is referred to as“second” position in the following.
  • Linkage plate 4.3 is configured such that, in the first position, first bracket 4.1 that is hingeably connected to linkage plate 4.3 via connection section 4.3.1 is pulled in an upward direction by the rotational position of linkage plate 4.3.
  • the lower portion of bracket 4.1 that protrudes beyond the bottom section of frame element 1.2 is thus fully retracted in the first position shown in Fig. 4A.
  • Second bracket 4.2 is hingeably connected to the other connection section 4.3.2 that lies across the rotational axis of the linkage plate 4.3 from connection section 4.3.1 of the first bracket 4.1.
  • second bracket 4.2 is pushed downwardly by linkage plate 4.3 such that second bracket 4.2 maximally protrudes beyond the bottom section of frame element 1.2.
  • first bracket 4.1 is fully extended with respect to frame element 1.2, while the lower portion of second bracket 4.2 is fully retracted.
  • the successive representation of the tilting motion by Fig. 4A to 4E shows the tilting motion of cylindrical object 3 mounted on mandrel 2 from the first position to the second position.
  • the tilting motion may be initiated by either pulling first bracket 4.1 outwardly or pushing second bracket 4.2 inwardly.
  • the reverse motion from the second position to the first position can be effected either by pushing first bracket 4.1 inwardly or pulling second bracket 4.2 outwardly.
  • Fig. 3 and 4A to 4E further show spring 4.8 that is connected to linkage plate 4.3.
  • the loose end of the spring 4.8 may be connected to a holding structure (not shown) on frame 1, in order to preload spring 4.8 and force linkage plate 4.3 to a predetermined position, depending on the position of holding structure relative to the rotational axis of linkage plate 4.3.
  • mandrel 2 is forced to a predetermined position as well.
  • the position of the holding structure could be chosen such that the mandrel’s forced, predetermined position is either the first position, or the second position, or a position in between these end positions.
  • the mechanism for tilting mandrel 2 from the first position to the second position described above can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the swinging motion of swing arms 2.3 around the rotational axis defined by the rotation shafts could also be actuated by motors realized on frame 1 that directly drive the rotation shafts.
  • one of brackets 4.1, 4.2 may be used only to translate the translational motion of the bracket into a rotational motion of linkage plate 4.3.
  • Rotation coupling 2.2 on the bottom of mandrel mounting plate 2.1 is shown.
  • Rotation coupling 2.2 is configured to interface with a rotational force generator (not shown) such as a rotational motor or servo actuator, in order to rotate mandrel 2 around its longitudinal axis.
  • a rotational force generator such as a rotational motor or servo actuator
  • cylindrical object 3 mounted thereon is also set into rotation around its longitudinal axis.
  • Rotation coupling 2.2 can alternatively be replaced by a rotational motor that is attached to mandrel mounting plate 2.1. It directly generates the rotational force required to rotate mandrel 2.
  • cylindrical object 3 mounted on the mandrel 2 can be tilted into the first position such that the top surface 3.1 of cylindrical object 3 lies in the reference plane.
  • a rotation of mandrel 2 around its longitudinal axis effects a rotation of top surface 3.1 in the reference plane.
  • cylindrical object 3 can be tilted to the second position by tilting the mandrel to the position shown in Fig. 4E.
  • each segment of lateral surface 3.2 of cylindrical object 3 is brought into contact with the reference plane.
  • a printhead (not shown) is positioned such that it can print in the reference plane, the entire cylindrical object 3 can be printed by performing the tilting motion of mandrel 2 described above. That is, mandrel 2 with cylindrical object 3 is tilted to the first position. Thus, top surface 3.1 of the cylindrical object can be printed. At that moment, mandrel 2 may be rotated around its longitudinal axis. Then, mandrel 2 with cylindrical object 3 is tilted to the second position. Now, lateral surface 3.2 of cylindrical object 3 is tangent to the reference plane, such that the tangent section of lateral surface 3.2 can be printed.
  • the entire lateral surface 3.2 of cylindrical object 3 comes successively into contact with the reference plane and can thus be printed.
  • the tillable mounting device 10 is configured to be movable parallel to the reference plane, it is also possible to print the entire top surface 3.1 of the cylindrical object 3 by moving the tillable mounting device 10 parallel to the reference plane whilst the mandrel 2 is in the first position.
  • the frame may comprise one or more alignment elements 1.5, one of which is shown in Fig. 3.
  • the alignment aid 1.5 is formed as a protrusion of defined shape that is configured to engage with a complementary shaped alignment aid that is arranged in a fixed position and orientation with respect to the printhead (not shown), so that the tillable mounting device can be reproducibly and reliably positioned in a fixed position relative to the printhead.
  • a cylindrical object 3 with top surface 3.1 and lateral surface 3.2 can be printed on its entire surface by only one printhead.
  • the order of the steps described above may also be altered such that mandrel 2 is first tilted to the second position, printing on lateral surface 3.2, and mandrel 2 is subsequently tilted to the first position, thus printing on top surface 3.1.
  • Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of tillable mounting device 10 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, which may alternatively be provided at one or more movers 10.1.2 of the conveying device 10.1 of Figure 1.
  • Tillable mounting device 10 comprises two mandrels 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 on which a first and a second cylindrical object 3.0.1 and 3.0.2 can be mounted.
  • Fig. 5 shows tillable mounting device 10 with both the first and second cylindrical object 3.0.1 and 3.0.2 mounted.
  • First cylindrical object 3.0.1 is mounted on first mandrel 2.0.1 (not shown in Fig. 5).
  • Second cylindrical object 3.0.2 is mounted on second mandrel 2.0.2 (also not shown in Fig. 5).
  • First and second mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are configured as expanding mandrels, analogously to mandrel 2 of the preferred embodiment.
  • Frame 1 of tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 5 comprises multiple frame portions 1.1 to 1.4 that are connected to form rigid frame 1 that serves as support structure for the tilting mechanisms of first mandrel 2.0.1 and second mandrel 2.0.2.
  • Frame portion 1.3 serves as guiding structure for an actuating element that is configured by two actuating rods 4.5 that are slidably supported on frame portion 1.3 through holes in frame part 1.3.
  • Frame portion 1.4 is depicted as a transparent structure in Fig. 5 to show the structure underneath.
  • Actuating rods 4.5 are each hingeably connected to actuated extension 4.4.1 of linkage plate 4.4. It is noted that second linkage plate 4.4 positioned on the outwardly facing side of tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 5 is not shown.
  • tillable mounting device 10 is designed symmetrically with respect to a plane in between actuating rods 4.5.
  • the description pertaining to the construction of the inwardly facing side of tillable mounting device 10 in Fig. 5 applies equally to the symmetric outwardly facing side.
  • Linkage plate 4.4 is supported rotatably on frame 1 around a rotational axis that intersects linkage plate 4.4 essentially at its center of gravity.
  • Actuated extension 4.4.1 serves to transmit a translational force exerted by the actuating rod 4.5 onto linkage plate 4.4 and translate it into a rotational motion of the linkage plate 4.4 around the rotational axis.
  • the function of linkage plate 4.4 thus corresponds to that of linkage plate 4.3 in the preferred embodiment.
  • Fig. 6A to 6F depict various configurations in a series of positions of tillable mounting device 10 that are realized when actuating rod 4.5 is pulled out from innermost position in Fig. 6A towards outermost position shown in Fig. 6F with respect to frame 1.
  • the translational motion of actuating rod 4.5 is translated into a rotational motion of linkage plate 4.4 around the rotational axis by the linkage via actuated extension 4.4.1.
  • mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are mounted on respective mandrel mounting plates 2.1.1, 2.1.2 that are connected to swing supports 2.3.1, 2.3.2 that are hingeably supported on frame 1. Swing supports 2.3.1, 2.3.2 are hingeably coupled to linkage plate 4.4 via respective connecting bars 4.6.1 , 4.6.2.
  • first mandrel 2.0.1 is in its first position, i.e., the top surface of the cylindrical object 3.0.1 mounted thereon lies in the reference plane.
  • the second mandrel 2.0.2 is in its second position, i.e., the lateral surface of cylindrical object 3.0.2 mounted thereon is tangent to the reference plane.
  • rotation couplings 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 are configured to interface or interact with a respective rotational force generator (not shown) such as a rotational motor or servo actuator, in order to rotate mandrels 2.0.1 and 2.0.2 around their longitudinal axes.
  • a respective rotational force generator such as a rotational motor or servo actuator
  • mounted cylindrical objects 3.0.1, 3.0.2 are set to rotation around their longitudinal axis.
  • the rotation couplings may be replaced by rotational motors that are attached to the respective mandrel mounting plates to directly generate the rotational force required to rotate mandrels 2.0.1 , 2.0.2.
  • first cylindrical object 3.0.1 and second cylindrical object 2.0.2 coincide.
  • printhead 6 configured to print in the reference plane can be used to print on both the first cylindrical object 3.0.1 and the second cylindrical object 3.0.2.
  • first position the top surface of first cylindrical object 3.0.1 is printed simultaneously with the lateral surface of second cylindrical object 3.0.2, while both mandrels are rotated around their longitudinal axes.
  • second position the lateral surface of first cylindrical object 3.0.1 is printed simultaneously with the top surface of second cylindrical object 3.0.2, while both mandrels are rotated around their longitudinal axes.
  • tillable mounting device 10 is configured to be movable parallel to the reference plane, it is also possible to print the entire top surfaces 3.0.1, 3.0.2 by moving the tiltable mounting device 10 parallel to the reference plane whilst the respective mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are in their first position.
  • the starting position of the mandrels may be freely chosen, e.g. the first or second position, such that the top surface of second (or first) cylindrical object 3.0.2 and the lateral surface of first (or second) cylindrical object 3.0.1 are initially printed. Since the tilting motion of mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are controlled by the lateral motion of the actuating rods 4.5 in a synchronized manner, it is ensured that both cylindrical objects 3.0.1, 3.0.2 are printed simultaneously when actuating rod 4.5 is either in its fully extended position or in its fully retracted position.
  • FIG. 1 For a multi-joint structure, the tilting motion of mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 may be modified such that, when mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are tilted away from the first or second positions, the motion of mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 is initially substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. Thereafter, inclination of the longitudinal axes of mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 changes.
  • Such an arrangement has the advantage that any interference resulting from the tilting motion of the cylindrical objects 3.0.1, 3.0.2 mounted on mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 with printhead 6 may be reduced or avoided, whenever mandrels 2.0.1, 2.0.2 are tilted from their respective first to their second position.
  • the frame 1 may comprise one or more alignment elements 1.5 (not shown) that allow a reproducible, mechanical alignment relative to a printhead with high precision.
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of tillable mounting device 10 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • tillable mounting device 10 comprises a plurality of mandrels 2 for mounting cylindrical objects 3.
  • Mandrels 2 are configured as expanding mandrels as for the previous embodiments.
  • the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 comprises seven mandrels 2 on which seven cylindrical objects 3 may be mounted.
  • Seven mandrels 2 are arranged in a circular arrangement on rotary disc 5.
  • rotary disc 5 as a whole is tillable in frame 1 between a first and a second position.
  • the frame 1 may comprise multiple alignment elements 1.5, two of which are shown in Fig. 7, for aligning the tillable mounting device 10 relative to a stationary printhead (not shown).
  • Fig. 7 shows rotary disc 5 in the first position, in which the top surfaces of all seven mounted cylindrical objects 3 lie in a common reference plane.
  • Fig. 8A to 8C illustrate a tilting motion of rotary disc 5 from the second position to the first position.
  • Rotary disc 5 is supported hingeably in frame 1.
  • frame 1 is omitted in Fig. 8A to 8C.
  • the linkage construction is symmetrical such that elements on the inwardly facing side of Fig. 8 A to 8C are also provided on the outwardly facing side.
  • the features of the inwardly facing linkage elements apply equally to the linkage elements on the outwardly facing side of Fig. 8 A to 8C.
  • rotary disc 5 is depicted in its second position, whereby the longitudinal axes of mandrels 2 and, thus, cylindrical objects 3 lie parallel to the reference plane.
  • rotary disc 5 is mounted on rotary disc mounting element 5.1.
  • Rotary disc mounting element 5.1 is hingeably connected to swing arm 5.4 via joint 5.4.1.
  • Swing arm 5.4 is hingeably connected to swing plate 5.5 via joint 5.5.1.
  • Swing plate 5.5 comprises two further joints 5.5.2 and 5.5.3.
  • Joint 5.5.2 (shown in Fig. 8c) is hingeably connected to first joint arm 5.2, the other end of which is hingeably connected to frame 1 via joint 5.2.1.
  • Joint 5.5.3 is hingeably connected to second swing plate 5.6.
  • Swing plate 5.6 comprises two further joints 5.6.1 and 5.6.2.
  • Joint 5.6.1 is hingeably connected to second joint arm 5.3, the other end of which is hingeably connected to frame 1 via joint 5.3.1.
  • Joint 5.6.2 is hingeably connected to third joint arm 5.7, the other end of which is hingeably connected to frame 1 via joint 5.7.1.
  • a short stud-like extension 5.8 is depicted on joint 5.5.1.
  • Extension 5.8 is hingeably coupled to swing plate 5.5 via a ball-joint or the like.
  • An actuating device (not shown) may be coupled to extension 5.8.
  • joint 5.5.1 in Fig. 8A is pushed inwardly via the actuating device towards the direction of the facing of the top surfaces of cylindrical objects 3, swing plate 5.5 is rotated clockwise around joint 5.5.3.
  • Such a rotation of swing plate 5.5 effects a tilting motion of rotary disc 5 downwards, while first joint arm 5.2 swings back and second swing plate 5.6 coupled to first swing plate 5.5 and second and third joint arms 5.3 and 5.7 move downwards to arrive at the configuration shown in Fig. 8b.
  • joint 5.5.1 When joint 5.5.1 is further pushed inwardly, the linkage configuration of joint arms 5.2, 5.3, 5.7 fixed to frame 1 to rotary disc 5 via swing plates 5.5, 5.6 and swing arm 5.4 effects a tilting motion of rotary disc 5 such that the top surfaces of cylindrical elements 3 are pushed upwardly. As a result, rotary disc 5 tilts to its first position.
  • the multi-joint linkage between rotary disc 5 and frame 1 enables a tilting motion of rotary disc 5 from the first position to the second position and back to the first position as described above.
  • mandrels 2 on rotary disc 5 are oriented such that the top surfaces of all cylindrical objects 3 lie in the reference plane, such that the top surface of all cylindrical objects 3 are accessible for printing.
  • mandrels 2 are oriented with their longitudinal axes parallel to the reference plane.
  • each cylindrical object 3 may be positioned such that printing of the lateral surfaces with a printhead that is configured to print in the reference plane, is enabled.
  • each cylindrical object 3 has to be rotated around its longitudinal axis when it is tangent to the reference plane. Therefore, rotary disc 5 comprises a rotary mechanism for rotating rotary disc 5 itself, as well as a rotary mechanism for rotating individual mandrels 2 around their longitudinal axis. These rotating mechanisms are described in the following with reference to Fig. 9 and 10A and 10B.
  • Rotary disc 5 with seven mandrels 2 and seven cylindrical objects 3 mounted thereon is shown in Fig. 9.
  • Fig. 10A is a bottom view of rotary disc 5.
  • Mandrel rotation coupling 5.9 and disc rotation coupling 5.10 are provided.
  • Couplings 5.9, 5.10 are configured to be releasably connectable to a rotational force generator, analogously to rotation couplings 2.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2 of the preferred embodiment described above.
  • Mandrel rotation coupling 5.9 is rigidly coupled to driving gear 5.1 1.
  • Driving gear 5.1 1 meshes with a driven pulley 5.13 located at the center of the bottom of rotary disc 5.
  • Driven pulley 5.13 drives belt 5.14 that is wound around seven mandrel gears 5.12.
  • the rotation of driven pulley 5.13 that is driven by the rotational force generator through mandrel rotation coupling 5.9 and driving gear 5.11 is transmitted to seven mandrel gears 5.12 that are rigidly connected to the longitudinal axis of mandrels 2, respectively.
  • a rotational force exerted by the rotational force generator is transmitted to seven mandrels 2, which are set into rotation around their longitudinal axis.
  • Disc rotation coupling 5.10 is coupled to a gear driving mechanism for rotary disc 5 and is configured to set rotary disc 5 into rotation around its center such that the positions of mandrels 2 in the circular arrangement on the rotary disc rotate.
  • Rotary disc 5 is rotated until one (e.g. the first) mandrel 2 is oriented such that the lateral surface of cylindrical object 3 mounted thereon is tangent to the reference plane.
  • the lateral surface is printed while mandrel 2 is rotated around its longitudinal axis along with the other mandrels.
  • rotary disc 5 is rotated until the next (second) mandrel 2 is tangent to the reference plane.
  • all mandrels 2 are rotated around their longitudinal axis such that the lateral surface of the next (second) mandrel 2 is printed.
  • All three embodiments of the tiltable mounting device described above can be combined with printhead 6 to obtain a printing system for cylindrical objects.
  • printheads 6 industrial printheads may be used having closely spaced ink nozzles arranged in a row, to allow for printing at a high resolution.
  • the printheads may also comprise multiple rows of nozzles that are arranged in parallel on the printhead.
  • printhead 6 for a printing system according to the present invention is exemplarily shown in Fig. 5 and 6.
  • printhead 6 is arranged relative to tillable mounting device 10 such that the ink nozzles are arranged in parallel or along to the longitudinal axes of mandrels 2 in the second position and faces the portion of a cylindrical object when the corresponding mandrel is in the second position, as shown in Fig. 5 and 6.
  • the segment of the lateral surface of cylindrical object 3 that is tangent to the reference plane is accessible by the ink nozzles of printhead 6, such that printhead 6 may remain stationary while printing.
  • printhead 6 may additionally be movable parallel to the reference plane and perpendicular to the rows of ink nozzles, so that each row can be positioned over the section of the lateral surface of cylindrical object 3 that is tangent to the reference plane.
  • printhead 6 When printhead 6 is movable in such a manner, it is possible to move printhead 6 and maintain the position of mandrels 2 fixed when mandrels 2 are in the first position, in order to print the top surfaces of cylindrical objects 3. Alternatively, as described above, when mandrels 2 are in the first position, printhead 6 is left in a fixed position while mandrels 2 and/or rotary disc 5 are rotated in order to print the top surfaces of cylindrical objects 3.
  • tiltable mounting devices 10 described above are suitable to increase the throughput and efficiency of a printing process.
  • tiltable mounting device 10 is installed on a conveying device that is configured to successively move tiltable mounting device 10 to multiple printheads. At each printhead, the tiltable mounting device 10 is tilted to the first and second position whilst rotating mandrels 2 and/or rotary disc 5 in order to enable printing of the top and lateral surface of cylindrical objects 3 mounted on mandrels 2.
  • the tiltable mounting device 10 may be configured such that it is movable in a direction parallel to the reference plane, preferably in a direction parallel to the reference plane and perpendicular to the direction along which the rows 7.1, 7.2 of ink nozzles are arranged.
  • the tillable mounting device 10 when the tillable mounting device 10 is tilted into the first position, such that the top surfaces of the cylindrical objects 3 are to be printed, the tillable mounting device 10 may be moved parallel to the reference plane so that the entire top surface of the cylindrical objects 3 may be moved into a position accessible by the printheads 6 without rotating the cylindrical objects.
  • a combination of translational movement of the tillable mounting device 10 and a rotation of the cylindrical objects may be employed to print the entire top surfaces.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Coating Apparatus (AREA)
  • Ink Jet (AREA)
  • Moulding By Coating Moulds (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)

Abstract

Système d'impression pour impression sur des objets cylindriques creux (3), en particulier des capsules à vis, comprenant au moins une tête d'impression (6) pour imprimer sur une surface d'un objet cylindrique creux (3) dans un plan de référence, et un dispositif de transport (10.1) pour transporter au moins un mandrin (2) conçu pour monter un objet cylindrique creux (3), en particulier une capsule à vis, le dispositif de transport (10.1) comprenant un moteur linéaire (10.1.1) contenant au moins un élément de déplacement (10.1.2), au moins un mandrin (2) étant disposé sur le ou les éléments de déplacement (10.1.2) du moteur linéaire (10.1.1).
PCT/US2019/022761 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Système d'impression pour impression sur des objets cylindriques WO2019178597A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2018/022948 WO2019177627A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2018-03-16 Dispositif de montage inclinable, système d'impression et procédé d'impression sur objets cylindriques
USPCT/US2018/022948 2018-03-16
PCT/US2018/048519 WO2020046291A1 (fr) 2018-08-29 2018-08-29 Procédé et système d'impression pour imprimer sur une surface supérieure d'objets tridimensionnels
USPCT/US2018/048519 2018-08-29
USPCT/US2018/054374 2018-10-04
PCT/US2018/054374 WO2020072061A1 (fr) 2018-10-04 2018-10-04 Mandrin et dispositif de montage pour recevoir un objet cylindrique creux

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PCT/US2019/022754 WO2019178595A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Mandrin et dispositif de montage pour recevoir un objet cylindrique creux
PCT/US2019/022742 WO2019178592A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Procédé et système d'impression permettant d'imprimer sur une surface supérieure d'objets tridimensionnels
PCT/US2019/022731 WO2019178591A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Dispositif de montage inclinable, système d'impression et procédé d'impression sur des objets cylindriques
PCT/US2019/022761 WO2019178597A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Système d'impression pour impression sur des objets cylindriques

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PCT/US2019/022754 WO2019178595A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Mandrin et dispositif de montage pour recevoir un objet cylindrique creux
PCT/US2019/022742 WO2019178592A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Procédé et système d'impression permettant d'imprimer sur une surface supérieure d'objets tridimensionnels
PCT/US2019/022731 WO2019178591A1 (fr) 2018-03-16 2019-03-18 Dispositif de montage inclinable, système d'impression et procédé d'impression sur des objets cylindriques

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US (1) US11571912B2 (fr)
EP (1) EP3765300A1 (fr)
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WO2019178591A1 (fr) 2019-09-19
AU2019236318A1 (en) 2020-09-24
US20210001646A1 (en) 2021-01-07
WO2019178592A1 (fr) 2019-09-19
CN111989223A (zh) 2020-11-24
US11571912B2 (en) 2023-02-07
EP3765300A1 (fr) 2021-01-20
AU2019236318B2 (en) 2022-05-12
CN111989223B (zh) 2022-12-20

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